Kizimen

Volcano Active stratovolcano in Kamchatka with frequent eruptions

An active stratovolcano on Kamchatka’s eastern peninsula, Kizimen has produced eruptions in recent decades; volcanology teams and adventurous observers monitor its ash plumes and lava activity.

Main image

Kizimen is an active stratovolcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula in far-eastern Russia, noted for renewed eruptions in the early 21st century. It is part of Kamchatka’s highly active volcanic zone.

The mountain produces explosive eruptions with lava-dome growth and ash plumes; these eruptions are the main reasons scientists and volcanology teams visit for observation and monitoring. Glowing lava, pyroclastic activity and ash columns have been recorded repeatedly during recent eruptive periods.

The modern edifice formed through successive volcanic eruptions over the Holocene and has been the site of eruptive episodes in the 2000s and 2010s that built and destroyed lava domes. Scientific monitoring and aviation warnings have increased during active phases.

The volcano sits within a rugged, volcanic landscape on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. It lies among other active volcanoes and is reached only by long overland journeys or helicopter from regional settlements.

  • Recent activity: Eruptive activity in the 2010s included lava-dome growth and repeated ash plumes that affected local air traffic and required hazard monitoring.
  • Access note: Access is by expedition only and approaches require experienced guides because of remoteness and volcanic hazards.
Kizimen
55.1309, 160.3213

How to Get to Kizimen #

Most visitors access Kizimen via Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky (Elizovo) - fly into Elizovo Airport and then arrange a local operator. There are no regular public transport services to the volcano: excursions are typically by helicopter charter from Petropavlovsk or by guided, multi‑day off‑road overland trips organized by local tour companies, so plan transfers and logistics with a Kamchatka guide operator in advance.

Best Time to Visit Kizimen #

Visit in July-September when summer provides the most reliable access and visibility to this active Kamchatka volcano.

Summer (best time)
July-September · 5-15°C
Relatively mild, snow-free access windows and better chances for helicopter or boat approaches and clear views of the volcano; this is the most practical time for visits.
Winter
December-March · -20 to -5°C
Very cold and snowy with limited access; harsh weather and heavy sea/air conditions make travel difficult and usually restrict visits.

Weather & Climate near Kizimen #

Climate

Kizimen's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -22°C to 9°C. Abundant rainfall (1013 mm/year), wettest in August.

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-41°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -21°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-21° -13°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.6h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-22° -14°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -14°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-22° -14°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-17° -9°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.0h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -3°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
17.1h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
16.6h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
14.8h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
12.6h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

27 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-11° -4°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-19° -10°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.1h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -21°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-21° -13°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Kizimen